Sunday, July 17, 2016

HALFWAY HOME 7-14-2016

Here we are at the "traditional" halfway point of the season and the Mets are still in the race. Honestly, I thought they would be in better shape in the pennant race but it is what it is. They can still make a run at the division, being only 6 games back, but don't forget the wildcard is still within their grasp. The keys to a better second half are:

A stable bullpen

More consistent offense

Better fundies

Stay healthy

I believe if they can accomplish these (no brainer) goals then they have have a shot at being right there when the dust settles.

They managed to take 2 out of three from the Phillies, but now the job gets tougher. Cubs, Marlins, St. Louis, no breaks in this schedule.

Matt Harvey has chosen to have season-ending surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome.

The surgery will be performed this week, we believe, by preeminent TOS surgeon Dr. Robert Thompson in St. Louis, Boras told ESPN.com.

Harvey said via Twitter:

"I'm extremely disappointed to learn that I'll be out for the season, but I'm relieved to have answers and get back to doing what I love"

The surgery will remove a rib that is constricting nerves and blood vessels - that travel through his shoulder - where the rib connects to the upper spine. Removing the rib creates space and alleviates the constriction, which will restore feeling in Harvey's pitching arm and fingers.

Good luck to him hope all goes well as we will need him down the road.

Noah Syndergaard said that after the break, he is going to be like Bartolo Colon. No, he's not going to start eating donuts and bulk up but, he will adjust his off-day work routines to keep his arm fresh and back off his bullpen work like Big Sexy does.

“I am going to take a step back, look at my routine every five days and take a play out of Bartolo’s playbook,” Syndergaard said. “He doesn’t throw bullpens, he takes it really light on his arm and every fifth day he is fresh as can be.

“I am at the point of the season where I don’t need to be throwing 30-35 pitch bullpens anymore,” Syndergaard added. “I am going to taper it back to 15-20, if that.”

Syndergaard, who left his last start Friday against the Nats with arm/shoulder fatigue, said Monday he will just play catch before Tuesday’s All-Star Game to see how the arm is feeling . He says he will be ready to go for the Cubs series, on Monday.